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We Making 
of a Country Estate 

PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS AND 
PROFESSIONAL ADVICE 



For Planning and Planting of the Gardens 

and Development of the Landscape 

Features for Country Homes 

and Estates 



By HENRY WILD 

Landscape Architect 

Greenwich, Connecticut 

413 Madison Avenue, New York 






COPYRIGHT 1913 

BY 

HENRY WILD 



DESIGNED, ENGRAVED AND PRINTED BY 
AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY 



s 



BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION 

^^^^O one who has lived close to mother earth for many years, devoting his 
1 ) life to the study, companionship and cultivation of Nature's bounty, the 
^^^ planning and planting of gardens and fields seems the only life-work 
worth while. To be compelled to live in the most palatial city surroundings day 
in and day out, year in and year out, would seem, to the professional gardener, a 
form of imprisonment for life, for which none of the rewards of success could 
fully compensate. 

The rescue of the " old homestead " has been the dream of many a prosperous 
city exile, and to many a man the old farm where he was "brought up" still 
beckons as a possible haven for his declining years. 

The man of affairs, who, as a boy, once wandered at will in the country, still 
dreams, amidst the attractions and distractions of city life, of the open fields, of 
the gardens and orchards which once smiled their welcome, and plans to own some 
day a country home or estate as the crowning of a busy and successful career. 

Fortunately, an attractive country estate is no longer looked upon as a place 
demanding a lavish outlay — a source of increasing expense to maintain — and every 
year shows an increasing number of beautiful country homes in process of 
development. 

Thanks to the progress made in intensive agriculture and scientific garden 
and orchard cultivation, the transformation of deserted or semi-deserted farms, 
wooded hillsides and idle streams into scenes of beauty and productiveness has 
been made practical and possible, even to families of moderate wealth. 

The purpose of this book is to suggest, in a general and necessarily sketchy 
way, some practical methods of developing country estates — methods which have 
been applied by me in my rather extensive experience as a gardener and landscape 
architect. 

My personal services are open to owners or prospective owners of country 
homes, both in the preliminary planning and in the working out of the details that 
go to the making of a harmonious and rational composition, suited to the natural 
features and conditions of the site, as well as to the preferences of the owner. 

There are many conditions which need more careful consideration than is 
apparent to the layman. Only professional skill and experience should be relied 



upon in planning with a view to obtaining the best results, from both the artistic 
and productive points of view — and the proper correlation of the whole. 

It is not enough to know how properly to care for such an estate, or to rely 
on theoretical ideas or advice. The imperative need, at the outset, is for trained 
skill and wide experience in the study and planning of the scheme as a whole, with 
a definite purpose in view, after which the carrying out of well-devised plans can 
be intrusted to a competent gardener. It is in these initial stages, and for general 
guidance in the development and care of such estates, that my experience as con- 
sulting or supervising gardener and landscape architect can be turned into prac- 
tical value. 

I have a strong sympathy with the tendency toward greater simplicity, indi- 
viduality and economic productiveness in the development of country estates. 
A country home should be a " home " in the true sense. It should express, in its 
comfort, in its wide vistas, and in its absence of artificiality, the broad and tolerant 
spirit of American life. 

In this connection it is interesting to note an outline of this spirit and purpose 
briefly and tersely explained in a recent number of a leading exponent of the modern 
" back-to-the-land " movement: 

To make America one great garden, as Europe is. 

To create an American style of gardening, instead of copying Europe literally. 

To have American plants dominant in every landscape, instead of foreign ones. 

To use permanent materials everywhere, instead of temporary ones. 

To propagate all kinds of plants here, instead of wasting millions on evergreens, etc., 
propagated in the incompatible climate of Europe. 

To develop a passion for privacy and art and kill our passion for show. 

To redeem the northern winter from bleakness and ugliness and create a new type of 
winter comfort and beauty. 

To refer briefly to my experience and my qualifications, and to make clear 
the purpose of this announcement, I will state that I am an Englishman by birth. 

Previous to coming to America, twenty years ago, I was employed for five 
years on the Blenheim estate of the Duke of Marlborough, and later served three 
years with a leading London firm of florists and decorators. 

My first experience in this country was with the gardens and grounds of 
Mrs. John L. Gardiner of Brookline, Mass., where I remained for four years, and 
then became head gardener of the neighboring estate of Mrs. A. W. Blake of 
Brookline. 



When Mr. E. C. Converse began the making of the now famous Conyers Manor 
estate of about two thousand acres, in Greenwich, Conn., I was given the supervision 
of all the landscape work, the gardening and the general charge of the whole work 
of developing the plans of the private part of this magnificent country place. 

In this responsible position I remained eight years, and the results of my 
supervision are the best evidence of my fitness and faithfulness in the task under- 
taken, and in which I feel a pardonable pride and satisfaction. 

With that work accomplished, I decided to devote myself to the general 
duties of landscape and garden supervision of other estates, so rapidly multiplying 
in the East, rather than to be permanently connected with any one estate. 

Therefore, I am now prepared and at liberty to undertake, on the professional 
fee basis, the personal supervision of gardening and landscape work, to give prac- 
tical advice and information along all the lines of artistic and productive develop- 
ment, and to see to the proper keeping up of the grounds, wherever my services 
are required. 

Where gardens are already laid out, but changes and improvements are 
desired, I will undertake the needed alterations in planning and planting, to suit 
the wishes of the owner, by thorough and economical methods. 

I can also agree to furnish competent gardeners to carry on the work intelli- 
gently, and will be glad to visit personally, upon request, small as well as large 
estates, in an advisory capacity. 

In the planning and construction of greenhouses to serve the purpose intended 
to the best advantage, I offer my experience and services in directing the work 
from a practical standpoint. 

This, to insure that they need not be run at a loss, as is usually the case, but 
to contribute a saving or profit to the estate, not however in the sense of " profit " 
as a financial or commercial experiment. 

In the following pages I have endeavored to outline a few practical suggestions, 
as the result of my long and varied experience in the several branches of the pro- 
fession, and will welcome inquiries, interviews or correspondence upon the subject 
from present or prospective owners of country estates or homes. 



City Address : 

413 Madison Avenue, New York 

twith a. t. Bunyard, Florist) L/ Greenwich, Conn. 




■-&&& 




" Where the path winds " 

FOXGLOVES NOD A GREETING TO THE NATURE LOVER, WHILE THE MODEST 
ENGLISH PRIMROSE PEEPS THROUGH ITS BED OF LEAVES, FOR AS THE PATH 
WINDS NEW WONDERS OF NATURE UNFOLD IN UNENDING SUCCESSION 



The Making of a Country Estate 

OURING my professional experience in America, as head- gardener and 
landscape architect, for the past sixteen years, a remarkable growth of 
sane sentiment toward country living has found expression in many 
different phases of the "back-to-the-land" movement. 

The traditional English country estate has been a family heritage for genera- 
tions, while in the United States the notable country estates are of recent origin— 
those of comparatively few pioneers dating back hardly more than a decade or two. 

The rapid increase during the past ten years in the number of more or less 
elaborate summer homes, set in rural surroundings, and attractive country estates 
of extensive and diversified holdings, shows no sign of abatement, and though the 




"Far from the haunts of men " 

A GLADE IN THE WOODS, THE NATURAL GROWTH OF MAPLES, OAKS, ETC., FRONTED WITH 
MOUNTAIN LAUREL, RHODODENDRONS AND HEMLOCK. NATIVE LILIES THRIVE AMONG 
THESE AND PROLONG THE SEASON OF FLOWERS. THE COLOR EFFECT IN FALL IS GLORIOUS 



movement is in its infancy, there has been distinct progress toward a more rational 
and less pretentious style of American gardening and landscape architecture. 

The Italian ideas and models, so lavishly imitated by the earlier modern 
estates, are being superseded by more truly American types in both the archi- 
tectural and landscape features. The uniting of the charms of a rural home, with 
a proper regard for making the property productive as well as beautiful, and 
within reasonable limits of outlay, is to a large extent supplanting the " regard- 
less-of-expense " idea of the more pretentious examples scattered throughout the 
eastern and middle states. 



The tendency is strongly in favor of preserving and restoring the natural 
features of American landscape beauty, the creating of a more distinctly char- 
acteristic style of gardening, instead of literally copying Europe, and to give our 



10 




First glimpse ot the lake " 

THIS WAS FORMERLY A SWAMP AND BREEDING PLACE FOR MOSQUITOES. IT IS NOW CON 
VERTED INTO A THING OF BEAUTY. HARDY WATER LILIES ARE SHOWN IN FOREGROUND. 
WHILE JAPANESE IRIS, ELDERBERRY AND SPIREAS MEET AT THE WATERS EDGE 



native plants and flowers more prominence in the laying out of the scheme for a 
country estate, or for a more modest rural home. 

Another hopeful and significant feature is that men of wealth, weary of the 
city, are learning that the owning and developing of a home in the country can 
be made something more than a dream. 

They are also learning to waste less and to give more thought and attention 
to the things that satisfy, instead of the purely artificial adornments, within or 
without, in planning these havens of restful companionship with nature for their 
declining years. 

There is no lack of desirable farm-land, idle pasturage, and wooded hillsides, 
waiting development as admirable sites for country estates, and many with great 
possibilities unthought-of by their present owners. 

in] 




" Sunlight and shade " 

ROCK GARDEN IN PARTIAL SHADE. RUSTIC BRIDGE FROM WHICH ONE LOOKS 
ON TO THE JAPANESE IRIS AND FORGET-ME-NOTS NATIVE PLANTS SUCH 
AS LADY'S-SLIPPERS, COLUMBINES AND FERNS FLOURISH IN A SPOT LIKE THIS 



The good-roads movement, the suburban trolley line, the distance-annihilating 
automobiles, have brought the back-country districts nearer the city, and yet 
remote enough to retain the picturesque charm of privacy and comfort. 

As no two conditions are alike, the work of development depends largely on 
the lay of the land. 

By the application of business efficiency and modern methods, aided by the 
trained gardener and landscape architect, these barren places can be made to 
"blossom like the rose" and to "bear fruit an hundred-fold," yielding both 
comfort, health and income. 

The comparatively low cost of land in America, with the certainty of con- 
stantly increasing value, should be strong incentives to the building of a country 
home. A well-planned estate — large or small — is an investment as well as a pleasure. 

[12] 




Where Iruit and flow* 



a/.- 



PATH IN TRAINED-FRUIT GARDEN. PEONY AND BULB BORDER IN FRONT OF 
ESPALIER PEAR TREES, TRAINED ON WIRE TRELLIS. GRAPE ARBOR AT END 
OF PATH. APPLES, PLUMS. CHERRIES AND PEARS ARE GROWN ON DWARF STOCK 



The Garden Made Over to Suit Surroundings 



x 



T sometimes happens that the owner of an estate on which there is an old 
flower-garden would like to have it changed to suit modern ideas. Possibly 
a background is lacking, or the setting is not in keeping with the garden. 



In such cases the transplanting of a few large trees in winter with the additional 
planting of evergreens and large shrubs in spring or early fall will create a 
transformation. The using of flowering shrubs and evergreens in the perennial 
or old-fashioned garden lengthens the flowering season, besides serving as a 
background and means of protection during storms and high winds. The spireas, 
wigelas, lilacs, altheas, etc., are both useful and ornamental in this respect, and 
when the flowering season is over form a pleasant contrast to the wealth of flowers 

[13] 




The grass path inviting you to Follow " 

A STUDY IN NATURAL PLANTING. THE GIANT MALLOWS, 
JAPANESE IRIS AND ASTILBES REVEL IN THE MOIST PLACES. 
WHERE MANY OTHER FORMS OF PLANT LIFE WOULD PERISH 



in the borders. Delphiniums, lilies, phlox, hollyhocks, all have an added charm 
and are seen to better advantage with a background of green. 

Planted in masses instead of patches all over the garden, they are doubly effec- 
tive. In many cases combinations of plantings, with forethought as to color scheme 
and season of flowering, will aid greatly in making the garden what it should be. 

On a number of estates there are gardeners well able to take care of a garden 
when once properly started, but unable to plan or give the desired results. 

A few visits from a reliable landscape architect who has made a study of the 
subject is all that will be required. The work of preparation is done by the gar- 
dening staff, and the planting under the direction of the landscape expert, who 
could explain the reasons for planting the various things in their proper places, 
enabling the gardener to work more intelligently and giving him an added interest 

[14] 











" Gather ye rosebuds while ye may " 

THE ROSE GARDENS, IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE RESIDENCE, SCREENED 
BY A HEDGE OR ROSA RUGOSA, PINK AND WHITE, ALLOWED TO GROW INFOR 
M ALLY. A WEALTH OF BLOOM IN SUMMER, BRIGHT WITH SEED PODS IN WINTER 



in his work. This has been found to prove satisfactory in many cases, and the 
ultimate care of the estate and garden has been assured. 

The same applies in the transplanting of large trees, making of rose gardens, 
or any other kind of new work on an estate. Once properly started, the final results 
are largely dependent on the gardener, who, when made familiar with the work 
on hand, is in a position to help intelligently in making the garden a success. 

A home-owner need not have a square mile of ground to enable the landscape 
architect to produce good results. Successful and attractive gardens and grounds 
have been developed around country and suburban homes consisting of a few acres. 

The secret of success in this profession is found in the maturity of judgment 
that comes from long experience. The experienced man can often develop an 
effective plan in a few hours by reason of his experience in similar cases. 



[15] 




■yv.j 



Come and rest awhile 

THE TEA HOUSE IN ONE OF THE PERENNIAL GARDENS. THE SECRET AND CHARM OF 
THE OLD-FASHIONED GARDEN LIE IN ITS SETTING OF PRIVACY. FOXGLOVES, SWEET 
WILLIAMS, HOLLYHOCKS, ETC., VIE WITH EACH OTHER, CLAIMING YOUR ATTENTION 



Perennial or Old-fashioned Gardens 



CHIS class of flower-gardens, now becoming so popular on American coun- 
try estates, has much to recommend them. As many families occupy 
their country residences from early spring till late fall, they are one of 
the most attractive features. When properly arranged and planted they give a 
wealth of flowers for nearly eight months of the year. 

Embracing, as they do, the old-fashioned flowers of European gardens com- 
bined with native varieties, they are a never-ending source of pleasure, utility, 
and floral education. 

During the last few years many varieties have been added to this class of 
flowers that will withstand the most severe climatic conditions, thereby eliminating 

[16] 




The sluice gate veiled with hanging' verdure " 

FORSYTHIA SUSPENSA AND THE MATRIMONY VINE SHOW WHAT 
CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED WITH HANGING VINES WHEN PROPERLY 
PLACED. THESE ARE PLANTED ON THE TOP OF THE ROCK WALL 



loss and cost of maintenance. Who does not admire such old favorites as the 
stately hollyhocks, larkspur, phlox, peonies, lilies, sweet Williams, Canterbury 
bells, that breathe memories of childhood and mother's garden? 

When designed and planted by one who loves the work and who thoroughly 
understands the combination of harmony, arrangement and color scheme, they 
are sure to become a source of abiding pleasure. 

Given the proper background or setting, their beauty is greatly enhanced, 
and it is to be regretted that often what should be a thing of beauty and a place to 
rest — and linger in — proves to be a source of annoyance, owing to lack of intelligent 
treatment. 

The whole secret and charm of the old-fashioned or perennial garden is in 
its proper surroundings and background. 

[17] 




When shall their glory fade " 

THE ROSE GARDEN APPEALS TO ALL. MANY VARIETIES FLOWER FROM JUNE 
TO OCTOBER. WHEN A PROPER SELECTION IS MADE OF HYBRID PERPETUALS 
AND TEAS. A CHARMING RANGE OF VARIETY AND COLORS CAN BE OBTAINED 



The writer has made a special study of this form of garden; in fact, he has 
frequently been consulted by fellow landscape architects. 

The rose-garden, without which no estate is complete, can by right selection 
of place and varieties be made a thing of beauty from May to October, instead of 
being devoid of flowers, as in many cases with the passing of June. 

Another part of the estate lends itself to the semi-wild. One of the finest 
instances of this was noted where a house was built in a wood, the undergrowth 
being removed to a certain extent, the more desirable trees selected to remain, 
forming an object lesson in natural surroundings and a perfect study of light 
and shade. 

By a proper and judicious selection of annuals there need be no bare places 
caused by the passing of the flowering season of the earlier varieties. 

[18] 




Wondering, ere we crossed the bridge, what lay beyond " 

STEP BRIDGE OVER INLET TO LAKE. VISTAS OF THE LAKE AND WOOD PLANTING ARE 
SHOWN TO THE BEST ADVANTAGE FROM THIS NOVEL CONSTRUCTION. LOOSE 
STRIPE AND CARDINAL FLOWERS ARE SHOWN GROWING AT THE WATER'S EDGE 



This style of garden appeals to all who love nature, and is adaptable to some 
part of every estate. The writer has made a special feature of this work, and during 
the years in which he pursued his studies in Europe and America has not met a 
visitor who failed to appreciate his skill and art. 

One of the advantageous qualities of the old-fashioned, or perennial, garden 
is that its cost of maintenance is small, compared to artificially planned gardens. 

This style of garden fits with perfect harmony into the general scheme where 
simple, quiet architecture is the keynote. 

The old-fashioned garden has a delicate Old-World charm of its own. With its 
harmony of color and its pleasant smell of flowers in bloom it is the ideal place to 
read and dream. If one should grow a garden for a poet, could it be any other than 
one filled with hollyhocks and sweet Williams, Canterbury bells and modest lilies ? 

[19] 




Where the mallards mate in springtime " 

FULL VIEW OF THE LAKE MADE BY THE MANOR'S STAFF. ALL THE PLANTING, FROM X TO 
THE EXTREME RIGHT, IS ENTIRELY THE RESULT OF THE PAST SEVEN YEARS' GROWTH. 
NOTE HOW IT BLENDS WITH AND LENGTHENS THE NATURAL WOOD GROWTH ON LEFT 



Lake and Stream Planting 



CO make a successful treatment of natural streams and lakes requires more 
than the usual amount of study of the subject. After carefully going 
over the surroundings and taking note of plants and trees thriving under 
natural conditions, much needed and valuable information may be acquired. 

In the moist places the beautiful Japanese iris are all at their best. This 
variety lengthens the iris season, and, with one of the many moisture-loving plants 
as an under-cover, they are made doubly effective. 

Many of the narcissus family thrive under the same conditions, and when 
planted under the late summer-flowering hibiscus or spireas, there is always some- 
thing to claim the attention. 

[20] 




A place where the laurel grows " 

SHOWING THE BROKEN OUTLINE OF THE WATER'S EDGE, WITH NATURAL BACKGROUND 
OF NATIVE TREES. MOUNTAIN LAUREL IN FOREGROUND. JAPANESE IRIS, NATIVE HOLLY, 
CLETHRA AND FORGET-ME-NOTS MAKE A CHARMING FOREGROUND TO THE WOODS 



Some of the many forms of willows, birch, elders and swamp maple trees 
can be used to good advantage; on the dry hillsides, native cedars, hemlocks, moun- 
tain laurel, etc., are at home, and used with the proper combination of deciduous 
trees make the ideal treatment. 

Water lilies, nelumbiums, or weeping willows, showing through vistas of 
rhododendrons, form a picture to be admired. 

I have had splendid opportunities to carry out this branch of work. The 
lake planting on the estate of Mr. E. C. Converse is considered by many to be the 
leading feature of the landscape work done there. 

The addition of rustic bridges, when built to correspond with the surroundings, 
adds a charm to the whole. Where there is a natural woodland on one or more sides 

[21] 




A glimpse of Japan " 

WATER LILIES GREET THE WEEPING WILLOW. JAPANESE BRIDGE NOW 
COVERED WITH WISTARIA. TENDER AQUATICS CAN BE GROWN IN A SHEL- 
TERED POOL LIKE THIS THE POPLAR AT THE RIGHT RELIEVES THE SKY LINE 



of the lake or stream, one has the proper conditions for introducing rhododendrons, 
azaleas, foxgloves, native lilies, the beautiful English primrose and lady 's-slippers ; 
many things that cannot be used in formal gardens grow luxuriantly. 

Ferns, aquilegias and many shade-loving plants lend themselves to the beauty 
of rambling woodland paths, and when seen in the long shadows of a summer 
evening leave a lasting impression, helping to create a love of nature and new 
interest in our surroundings. 

I feel sure that the many attractions of this branch of landscape, when better 
understood, will appeal to all who are fortunate in having on their home grounds 
a lake or stream. 

A lake is so easy to make, where one has a stream, and is so attractive at all 
seasons, with its sheen of water and its pleasant vistas, that every estate-owner 
should certainly have one, wherever it is possible. 

[22] 




* * 



"With robes of blue, in nature's setting, green" 

THE FAMOUS EVERGREEN ENTRANCE. SPECIMEN BLUE SPRUCE AND ABIES CONCOLOR 
(SILVER FIR). A SPLENDID COMBINATION, HARDY AND BEAUTIFUL. EVERGREENS ARE 
PLEASING THE YEAR THROUGH, LENDING A RICH YET SUBDUED TONE TO AN ESTATE 



Evergreens 



^^^>>HERE are several classes of these beautiful trees upon which the land- 
€ J scape artist depends to a great extent to make the home grounds attrac- 
^^^ tive. Some of the choicest are the retinosporas and spruces. The colors 
vary from green to variegated green and gold. 

They make an ideal setting for a home, providing the proper selection is made. 
The dwarf varieties varying from two to five feet can be used effectively under 
windows, on terraces, banks and to front off groups of the tall growing trees. 

Where a quick growth or immediate effect is desired, it can be procured in 
a short time. For wind-breaks or screens they cannot be surpassed. Some are 
very useful in this respect to shut out undesirable objects and also to protect 
the less hardy and often more beautiful specimens. 

[23] 




" Where nature reigns supreme " 

SHOWING BRIDGE BUILT BY ITALIAN LABORERS IN WINTER TIME. THE ISLAND ON THE 
RIGHT AFFORDS A NATURAL NESTING-PLACE FOR WATER-FOWL. MALLARDS. PINTAILS, 
ETC., RAISE THEIR YOUNG UNDISTURBED HERE. BIRCH AND WILLOWS ON THE RIGHT 



For avenue planting they are ideal. Their appearance being practically the 
same all the year around, giving a rich yet quiet tone to the summer landscape, 
and in winter adding a cheerful sight to the estate. A group of evergreens on a 
bright, frosty morning, their branches veiled in snow, make one of nature's most 
wonderful outdoor pictures. 

To children they become a never-ending delight. The early birds flock to 
them to build their nests, and places that have been almost devoid of birds are 
turned into a veritable paradise for the feathered songsters in a few years. 

For woodland and stream planting the hemlock, cedar and pines, used in 
combination with native deciduous trees, make a decided change to the group 
or formal effects. Another class of evergreens are the rhododendrons; the hardy 
hybrids number amongst them some of the most gorgeous flowers. Planted with 
a background of pines, etc., their beauty is shown to advantage. 

[24 1 






j*r 



" A graceful curve " 

PART OF AVENUE PLANTING, SHOWING GROUP OF SPECIMEN EVERGREENS IN FORE- 
GROUND BACKED BY SCHWEDLERI MAPLES AND COPPER BEECH. SHOWING THE WELL- 
GRADED CURVE OF THE AVENUE AS IT WINDS ROUND THE HILL TO THE RESIDENCE 



For formal garden work the blue spruce, thuyas, yews, etc., add a dignified 
appearance all the year through. 

A choice selection can be made, without fear of loss of trees, that will withstand 
the most severe winters and do away with the annoyance and expense of replacing, 
in spring, varieties unsuitable for the surroundings. 

My experience during the past sixteen years as landscape gardener has fur- 
nished me with much valuable information in regard to the procuring and planting 
of these trees and shrubs. 

On the estate of Mr. E. C. Converse may be seen one of the finest collections 
of evergreens in this country, planted by me during the past eight years. 

Contrary to the general belief, many large specimens have been transplanted 
by the frozen ball method without a single loss. 

[25] 




TTie entra 



lodff 



— an ideal gardener's eottag 



RAMBLER ROSES AND CLEMATIS SHADE THE PERGOLA THE LAWN PLACED AT THE REAR 
GIVES AMPLE SPACE FOR THE RECREATION OF THE OCCUPANTS. THE GARDEN AND 
LAUNDRY GROUND ARE SCREENED FROM THE ENTRANCE WITH SHRUB PLANTING 



X 



The Fruit and Vegetable Garden 

N the planning and construction of a country estate, there are many mat- 
ters of permanent interest and importance to be taken into consideration. 
From the productive point of view my experience suggests the following: 



After the site for the house has been selected, the position of vegetable and 
fruit gardens should receive early attention, as about the first things expected 
from an estate are vegetables and fruit. 

If an early start is made in this direction, by the time the house is ready for 
occupancy some returns can be expected. Asparagus, usually the first spring 
vegetable, and requiring at least one year's growth before cutting, and the straw- 
berry beds, requiring the same time before bearing fruit, should be promptly 

[26] 




The gardener's cottage " 

ENTRANCE LODGE, FRONT, WITH ITS QUIET SETTING OF EVERGREENS. AN IDEAL 
"FIRST IMPRESSION" OF THE ESTATE. THIS WELL-ORDERED COTTAGE IS IN KEEP- 
ING WITH THE ESTATE, BEAUTIFUL AND INTERESTING IN ITS NATURAL SIMPLICITY 



planted with other fruits and vegetables that require most time for development, 
and materially add to the pleasures and comforts of country life. 

Berries, grapes, etc., follow with a general planting of fruit trees in season. 

The reserve ground should next be taken into consideration, where some good 
lawn-grass seed should be sown to furnish a supply of turf (an item always needed) . 

Another reason for starting on the above lines at once is this: While the 
house is building, little in the line of grading or planting can be done in the imme- 
diate vicinity and ample time can be taken to determine the laying out of the 
avenues, flower gardens, greenhouses, garage and farm buildings. 

Strange to say, this important part of any estate — the fruit and vegetable 
garden — is often neglected. If owners of country homes will take a little pains 
to develop these gardens, they will find them a source of much satisfaction. 

127] 




"Old time is still a-flying" 

SHOWING GARAGE, CLOCK AND WATER TOWER BUILT OF STONE QUARRIED ON THE 
ESTATE. THE MIXED TREES IN THE FOREGROUND SHOW WHAT CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED 
WITH NATIVE GROWTH IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ESTATE ON NATURAL LINES 



Landscape Forestry 



'S^-'HE general topography of the estate should be given careful study by 
€ J a competent landscape architect, and the general plan of the estate con- 
^^^ sidered to secure the best results from the planting of the place. Climatic 
conditions, exposure, privacy and all natural advantages should be given thought, 
as all play their part in the general effect. 

If the avenue is properly planned, its planting and care can easily be carried 
out by one familiar with landscape gardening to suit the ideas of the owner. In 
case the owner has a preference for a certain variety of tree to predominate in the 
avenue, the planning can be arranged to carry out the purpose harmoniously. 
If the avenue is straight, or nearly so, the line-planting can in most cases be 

[28] 




' Wher 



shadows lengthen and twilight falls " 



THE OVERFLOW FROM THE LAKE, SHOWING JAPANESE HALF-CIRCLE BRIDGE OVER THE WATER- 
FALL. THE LUXURIANT GROWTH OF THE WILLOWS AND POPLARS IN SEVEN YEARS PROVES 
WHAT CAN BE DONE WHERE THE PROPER MATERIAL IS SELECTED FOR THE ENVIRONMENT 



followed; on the other hand, should it run through a rolling or wooded country, 
an entirely different plan must be considered. 

If a part of the grounds is naturally wooded, care should be taken in selecting 
material that will lead up to or harmonize with the natural conditions. For 
instance, if the drive passes through a wood, composed (as in many cases) of the 
deciduous trees of the East, charming vistas may often be secured by the removal 
of undesirable trees, and by so doing benefit those reserved. 

Where an undergrowth or fronting is required, magnificent effects may be 
produced by the introduction of such evergreens as hemlock, spruce, rhododen- 
drons, mountain laurel, etc., at a slight cost. 

Here is where the experience of one familiar with nursery stock and prices 
can save the owner much expense. Very often fine bargains of trees unsuitable 

[29] 







The whispering pines and the hemlocks " 
THE PINE PLANTING ON SECTION OF AVENUE— PLEASING IN ITS VARIOUS SHADES OF 
NATURE'S COLOR -GREEN IN SUMMER, A GLORIOUS WINTER SCENE WHEN VEILED WITH 
SNOW, FORMING A GRACEFUL AND DIGNIFIED APPEARANCE THE YEAR THROUGH 



for specimens can be obtained for this class of work and the amount saved put 
to the use of buying finer trees for more open places. 

A long experience in selecting and buying all kinds of planting material 
enables me to carry out this important branch of work judiciously and successfully. 

Where native cedars or pines predominate, the addition of scarlet oaks, red 
maples, birch and other trees assist in brilliant color effects. Berried shrubs and 
trees, such as the mountain ash, berberries and native holly, viburnums, etc., add 
much to the fall and winter landscape. 

Special care must be given to the landscape work in close proximity to the 
house. No set rule can be applied. A charming setting for a house built of gray 
stone can be procured by the planting of evergreens, thereby softening the outline 
and adding a rich, subdued tone the year 'round. 

[30] 




The conservatory and greenhouse " 

FRUIT, FLOWERS AND VEGETABLES ARE RAISED IN THE VARIOUS COMPARTMENTS. A 
GREENHOUSE BUILT WITH PARTITIONS ENABLES THE GARDENER TO SUPPLY THE OWNER 
WITH MANY THINGS REQUIRING DIFFERENT TREATMENT AND TEMPERATURES 



The Greenhouse 

"S^-^HERE is hardly an estate of any size that does not carry its range of green- 
€ J houses. In many cases their planning and erection is placed in the hands 
^^^ of someone who has not the faintest idea of the particular purpose for 
which each section is being built, and who studies them from an architectural 
instead of a horticultural point of view. The result can be imagined when the 
gardener is called upon to produce roses or fruit in a house that has hardly any of 
the requirements called for. 

I have seen many greenhouses on private estates placed in positions where 
they are run at a loss and are a source of annoyance instead of pleasure and profit. 

My training on some of the finest estates in this country and Europe has given 
me a great advantage in this particular line over the average landscape architect. 

[31] 



PR 1 1913 



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